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Dethroned UFC champion Israel Adesanya was arrested at New York’s JFK Airport on Wednesday. The Nigerian was taken into custody following a possession of criminal weapon (according to airport security), which was revealed as metal knuckles.
Notably, Adesanya was arrested by the Port Authority Police Department near the TSA screening area at around 1:57 PM, as reported by several media houses. Brass knuckles are illegal (class A misdemeanor) in the state of New York. It is also illegal to carry them on person or in the carry-on baggage.
But the Airport Authority later released the star mixed martial artist, following a brief detention. Adesanya’s manager Tim Simpson also issued a statement following his detention at the airport.
“Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage. When flagged at the airport Israel quickly disposed of the item and cooperated with authorities. He has complied accordingly, with that the matter was dismissed and he is on his way home”.
Furthermore, it was later revealed that it was a gift from a fan which he had put in his luggage. A spokesperson of Adesanya said, “Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage. When flagged at the airport, Israel quickly disposed the item, an co-operated with authorities.”
The 33-year-old was handed his second defeat of MMA career last weekend. Israel Adesanya lost his middleweight title at UFC 281 against Alex Pereria.
